Cellular Basis of Metallic Iridescence in the Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta splendens
Date
2014
Contributor
Advisor
Department
Instructor
Depositor
Speaker
Researcher
Consultant
Interviewer
Narrator
Transcriber
Annotator
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Volume
Number/Issue
Starting Page
Ending Page
Alternative Title
Abstract
The ultrastructural morphology of chromatophores that gives rise to the highly valued metallic iridescence in the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Melanophores, iridophores, xanthophores, erythrophores, and leucophores were observed in the epidermis and dermis of B. splendens. Specific combinations of these chromatophores formed the pigmentation patterns of the dark blue, ultra-marine, turquoise-bronze, and golden strains. Under the TEM, large spherical melanosomes appeared which were highly electron dense in the cytoplasm of melanophores. These cells also possessed slightly electron dense organelles which could be partially melanized pre-melanosomes. The wide spectrum of metallic hues on the body of B. splendens is attributed to refraction, reflection, and thin-film interferences from reflecting platelets in iridophores that are closely associated with other chromatophore types. The designation “irido-melanophore unit” is proposed for one such close association which comprises an iridophore underlined by a melanophore. Varied inclination angles and thicknesses of reflecting platelets are elucidated to cause the iridescent sheen. Thin platelets oriented at small angles to the long axis of a cell produce purplish-blue hues whilst numerous thick and thin platelets at larger angles generate blue, green, and silvery-golden sheens
Description
Keywords
ultrastructure, metallic iridescence, melanophores, iridophores, chromatophores, Betta splendens, Fish culture--Israel., Fish culture.
Citation
Extent
10 pages
Format
Geographic Location
Time Period
Related To
The Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh
Related To (URI)
Table of Contents
Rights
Rights Holder
Local Contexts
Collections
Email libraryada-l@lists.hawaii.edu if you need this content in ADA-compliant format.